First summary of studies carried out on the grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) in the EU project: diversify

The deliverable (D7.1) of WP7 “Establishment of a Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) for the evaluation of grey mullet sperm” has been submitted. Preliminary analyses show that mullet sperm motility pattern is not similar to that of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) or rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in terms of velocity as well as motility duration (ca 1 min; Fig. 1a). Our preliminary results, indicate that the major bio-technical settings, dilution of sperm, quality of activation and mastering of video recordings have been determined and can now be applied to experimental protocols. Since fish sperm quality is usually assessed through subjective observation, in terms of motility classes and duration, statistical analysis becomes less precise. The current results will help improve assessment of the effect of different treatments on reproductive performances of mullet males